Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has announced that a federal judge has granted the State of Kansas’s motion to remand its false advertising lawsuit against Pfizer, Inc. back to state court.
“This victory is the first step in bringing justice to the Kansans who were misled by the false statements made by Pfizer regarding the health risks of its COVID vaccine. The case will now proceed in state court, which is where a claim under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act belongs,” said Kobach.
In June of 2024, Attorney General Kris W. Kobach filed suit against Pfizer, Inc. in Thomas County, Kansas, for violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act related to its claims of vaccine efficacy, safety, and particularly claims that its vaccine was safe for pregnant women and posed no risk for myocarditis or pericarditis. Despite this being a question of state law filed in state court, Pfizer attempted to postpone and frustrate the Attorney General’s enforcement action by taking the case out of state court and moving it to federal court. Judge Crabtree of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas has brought an end to Pfizer’s delaying tactic and ordered that the matter be returned to state court where it where enforcement of Kansas consumer protection law can once again move forward.
The Attorney General’s complaint alleged internal studies at Pfizer showed the potential for adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the company publicly marketed the vaccine as “safe and effective.” In July of last year, Pfizer removed the case from Thomas County to Federal District Court on jurisdictional grounds.
The ruling from the federal district court decisively finds in favor of Kansas’ arguments against Pfizer’s removal.
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